What is the "Swedish tooth brushing method" during orthodontic treatment?

Today, your full-scale orthodontic treatment begins.

Small devices called brackets are attached to the surface of the teeth, and wires are passed through them. First, we will explain the key points for brushing your teeth.
When you start orthodontic treatment, you will need to brush your teeth especially carefully compared to before you had your braces fitted. The inside of your mouth with orthodontic appliances attached will be in a state where it is easier to miss spots when brushing, so it will take a little more time and skill than before.

If you do not brush your teeth properly, the remaining plaque will become a mass of bacteria over time, which can lead to cavities and gum inflammation (periodontal disease). To prevent your beautiful teeth from being damaged by cavities and periodontal disease, brush your teeth every day to maintain your oral health.

What is the Swedish tooth brushing method?

Use a single-tufted toothbrush to brush the areas where plaque tends to accumulate. Then, use a mountain-shaped toothbrush to brush around the brackets. This method of brushing from the areas where plaque tends to accumulate (risk areas) is called the Swedish toothbrushing method.

Let's follow Sweden's example!

Sweden is said to be a leader in dental prevention. When comparing how many teeth remain in the mouth at age 80 in different countries, the average in Japan is 14, while in Sweden it is 25. (Adults have 28 permanent teeth, but if premolars are removed for orthodontic treatment, the remaining number is 24.)

How do Swedes keep so many teeth into their 80s?

In Sweden, where people are highly conscious about prevention, the method of brushing that many people use is to first brush the risk areas with a special tool. This makes it easier to develop the habit of brushing the areas at risk of cavities and periodontal disease.

Where plaque tends to accumulate and how to brush

Around the bracket

Brush your teeth by focusing on the brackets and then brush the upper and lower parts of your teeth. Place the toothbrush diagonally between the brackets and your teeth.

Between teeth and between teeth and wires

Plaque tends to accumulate on these teeth. Use a brush from both the top and bottom to scrape away plaque.

The boundary between teeth and gums

Even without orthodontic appliances, this is an area that is often left unbrushed. Use a single-tufted brush to brush along the borders.

Once you get used to using a single-tufted brush and a toothbrush with a ridged edge, try using dental floss in addition.
If you use it once a day when you have time, you can thoroughly remove plaque from between your teeth.

We recommend a single-tuft toothbrush.

If you have orthodontic appliances attached to the back of your teeth, we recommend using a single-tufted toothbrush. Brush between your teeth and gums at an angle with a single-tufted brush. If you use the entire toothbrush to brush, the bristles will hit the appliance and spread out, making it impossible to brush the areas you want to brush. It is best to brush the backs of your teeth one tooth at a time, so we recommend using only a single-tufted brush.

Precautions to take while using orthodontic appliances

When the wire hurts

As the teeth are straightened out, both ends of the wire (the wire for the back teeth) may extend backwards. If you feel pain when the wire touches your cheeks, gums, or tongue, please contact us before coming in.

When the bracket comes off

When attaching brackets, we take great care to ensure they do not come off, but they may come off when eating hard or large foods. However, if the brackets are attached to the teeth with adhesive that is too strong, the force applied to the brackets may damage the tooth roots. In order to protect your teeth, our clinic uses adhesive that is strong enough to remove the brackets when excessive force is applied.

• If the tooth comes off and you experience pain, please contact us and come in. Our full-time dentist will provide first aid.
• If you do not feel any pain when the brackets are removed, please make an appointment for an upcoming orthodontic appointment.
• If you are busy, you can leave it until your next orthodontic appointment.
• Please rest assured that your treatment will not change significantly as a result of the brackets coming off.

How to use protective wax

For a while until your body gets used to moving your mouth, the brackets may touch your cheeks, gums, or tongue, causing discomfort or mouth ulcers. If you are having trouble with this, try using protective wax. Take a small amount of wax on your fingertips, wipe off any moisture with tissue, and then lightly press the wax onto the areas that bother you. This will make it relatively easy to attach.

*This wax is not harmful to the human body even if accidentally swallowed.